Methods for Cooling Pineapples after Harvest

The pineapple is a delicious and versatile fruit. It can be eaten for enjoyment as well as medical purposes and its leaves can be converted for different uses. Its fresh, ripe taste has helped it to spread across the world, though it is primarily grown in its native region. With its specific ripening qualities, proper cooling and storage are critical to maintaining the fruit. Take a look at some general facts about pineapples and effective cooling and storing methods.

General Facts About Pineapples

Pineapples are tropical fruits that originated from South America and are currently mass produced in different areas, including Brazil, the Philippines, Thailand and Costa Rica. Within the United States, Hawaii is known for producing a smaller hybrid version of the fruit. They were originally given the name “pineapple” in 1398 due to their resemblance to the pine cone. They take a while to flower naturally, between twenty to twenty-four months, however a few different methods have been implemented over the years to speed up the process. One differentiating factor about this fruit is that they do not ripen after they are harvested. This makes proper cooling and storing methods crucial.

Pineapples are commonly used in various cooking recipes. They may be cut and eaten fresh, as well as crushed, preserved, juiced or used as a garnish. There versatility and delicious flavor make them a popular ingredient for all styles of food, be it South American, Asian or American cuisine. In addition to the fruit, its durable leaves are also quite versatile. These leaves can be formed into a textile for use in different furnishings, such as wallpaper, as well fashioned into a fabric for use in clothing. Pineapples may also be applied topically as an anti-inflammatory or ingested as an antihelminthic.

Information About Cooling and Storing Pineapples

Unlike many other types of fruit, pineapples ripeness peaks upon harvesting. To ensure that they have a nice yellow center, one week before harvest time the fruits are usually sprayed with a growth inducing chemical that converts into a regulator that encourages ripening of fruit. Therefore, they are quite perishable. At room temperature they are only good for up to two days, while when refrigerated they can last for five to seven days.

Shelf Life – Unless canned, frozen or preserved, pineapples do not have a long shelf life at all. When frozen this fruit can last up to five months, and it can last for one to two years when canned or preserved.

Temperature – With such a short shelf life it is most beneficial to frigate the fruit. To extend the expected life of the plant it should be stored at a temperature of thirty-two degrees. This helps to slow down the aging process, which begins as soon as the fruit is collected.

Relative Humidity – Being that pineapples are tropical fruit they are indigenous to humid climates and must therefore be maintained in a high relative humidity. Pineapples should be kept at a relative humidity of ninety to ninety-five percent.

Methods of Cooling Pineapples

Ideally, pineapples should first be cooled down to forty degrees before they are cooled to storage temperature. If the process is completed too quickly it can actually damage the fruit. There are a couple of effective cooling methods that can be utilized to get the fruit to proper storage temperature without compromising the sweet ripeness of the pineapples.

Forced-Air Cooling – This process is a great option for cooling the fruit to storage temperatures after it has been cooled down initially. For this cooling method the pineapples are placed in a refrigerated room, such as a deep freezer, and are arranged around a fan. The fan helps to circulate the cool air through the fruit, speeding up the freezing process.

Hydrocooling – This method is usually utilized before forced-air cooling is applied. It helps to cool off the fruit quickly without causing damage. To accomplish this, the fruit is submerged in near-freezing water.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC prides itself as a leader amongst cooling and storage system providers. We strive to not only supply superior systems, but to work effectively with clients to develop tailored systems to meet their needs and exceed their expectations. Our extensive experience, high quality equipment and commitment to positive client relations speak volumes to those factors. We would love to work one-on-one with you to create the perfect cooling and storing system to support your pineapple distribution process.

/by

Ice Crushers & Ice Blowers Save Money for the Entertainment Industry

Producers are well aware of the current expenses involved in creating a quality, believable movie, as well as the often limited funds for making these movies. While in the past, producers had to choose between real weather conditions for authenticity and artificial conditions that didn’t match the real thing, special effects have evolved in their ability to recreate reality in a believable way. Ice crushers and ice blowers are one important way that the entertainment industry is able to save money without sacrificing quality.

Production Schedules

Movies and TV shows are filmed at very specific times in order to meet the needs of networks and promoters. TV shows often film their winter scenes by mid-fall at the latest, and a wide variety of them film on set in Burbank instead of at the location the series portrays. Movies, likewise, often have a particular filming schedule that can’t be altered. This is due to a myriad of factors such as individual actor’s promotional commitments and side projects, and, for big budget films, when the film is most likely to have the largest viewership when it hits theaters. Non-serious action movies are generally released in the summer months, while any movie that might make the Oscar nomination list is released in fall through the end of the year. It goes without saying that these schedules may not always line up with weather conditions. Ice blowers and ice crushers bring real weather conditions to sets at the exact moment the producers and directors want them.

Special Effects

Ice blowers and ice crushers also allow a production team to create special effects that are completely within their control. Because these machines use actual water to create these effects, they can position things in exactly the right places in order to get the results they want. Ice crushers make real snow conditions, and ice blowers can both blow these conditions and create strong winds as desired. The machines are never visible on camera due to their expert positioning. When actors deliver lines, they often have to take several takes in order to get the scene just right. If the actors are supposed to give the impression that their characters are walking through freshly laid snow, or snow that has not been previously tread upon, ice crushers and blowers can give this effect by putting down a fresh layer of snow with each take. Similarly, since the snow is real, as well as any wind conditions from the blower, the characters will react in a natural manner that helps solidify the effects’ believability.

Still Shots

Ice blowers and crushers are also valuable commodities for still frames in modeling shots. Models often pose in sets related to the weather conditions for the clothes they wear, such as Fair Isle sweaters or ski attire in winter. While it is sometimes possible to take these frames in actual snow conditions or in fake snow without any water properties, for high-end shots the crew will want to make the still frames as realistic and manageable as possible. Ice crushers and blowers allow the set to be entirely safe, which is especially important for anyone modeling clothing in a high-pressure environment or in clothing that may not represent the weather. Photographers are able to position the snow conditions in the perfect location for the best lighting, incline and backdrop.

The entertainment industry is always looking for ways to cut expenses that won’t cut the quality of their projects. Ice crushers and ice blowers help save the entertainment industry money by creating real weather conditions at the exact place and time that they want them. This equipment prevents cast and crew from having to arrange their schedules around hopeful weather effects, which cuts down on production time and unnecessary expenditures. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC manufactures high quality, dependable ice crushers and ice blowers that are ideal for use in the entertainment industry. Contact us for more information.

/by

The Advantages of Aggregate Cooling by Water

If the temperature of the concrete is too high when it is applied to a structure or a certain area, its durability and strength are compromised. In most situations, the cooling process can be completed by adding ice and chilled water to the actual concrete mix. However, in some cases, this process is insufficient and the aggregates need to be cooled as well. This is where aggregate cooling by water comes in. The advantages of aggregate cooling by water are numerous, and this process is applicable to construction projects everywhere.

The Cooling Process

The most reliable and efficient way to cool concrete aggregates is to place them on a belt conveyor along with some ice water. Once this is done, the aggregates can generally reach a temperature of 5 degrees Celsius within just a few minutes. However, the rapidity of this process is largely affected by how big the aggregates are. For instance, an aggregate that is at least 150 millimeters in size may take up to 35 minutes to cool, while an aggregate less than 80 millimeters in size may only require one to eight minutes to reach an optimal temperature.

One of the advantages of aggregate cooling by water is that the process can be completed much quicker than if it needed to be done with a cold stream of air. However, in order for the aggregate cooling process to take place properly, the cooling belt must first be equipped with a dewatering system. Additionally, these belts require a setting tank to properly handle the cooling process.

After the belts of the cooling system have ice water added to them, the liquid eventually makes its way to a sediment basin. Here, the mud, or sand, is separated from the water. Eventually, this water is chilled to an extremely cold temperature.

Faster, Reliable Cooling

As mentioned above, cooling the aggregates before application using water can speed up the cooling process and ensure the durability of the concrete once it is used. However, there are many other benefits associated with this process. For example, the aggregate cooling process is not difficult to set up. This means that those working on a project that requires concrete can cool the aggregates shortly after the need to do so arises.

Additionally, the tools and equipment needed to cool aggregates by water do not require a significant investment. These systems also do not require a ton of space to store. This means that those who specialize in concrete cooling can complete the process without sacrificing valuable space in their work area to cool aggregates before application.

Customer Benefits

Although the advantage of aggregate cooling by water mainly benefit those working directly with the concrete, the process has several different benefits for those who initiated the project as well. First, those who need to have the concrete pouring process completed on a certain day are more likely to stay within their timeframe if they take advantage of aggregate cooling. This ensures that other people working on the project are able to complete their part quickly, instead of being delayed by problems with the concrete.

Second, when water is used during the aggregate cooling process, it ensures that the concrete does not develop significant problems in the future. Since proper cooling can help concrete set properly after it is placed in a predetermined area, those who needed the concrete will likely find that it is less likely to crack or deteriorate over time. This also ensures that other structures placed on top of the concrete are secure.

Finally, aggregate cooling by water is a cost-effective process. Not only does this save the company responsible for cooling the concrete money, but it also helps the client reduce its overall project budget. The savings of aggregate cooling by water often translate to the client. As a result, the client may be able to dedicate more funds to aspects of their project that could benefit from a greater amount of capital.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC Provides Quality Concrete Cooling Systems

Aggregate cooling with water is simply one aspect of some concrete cooling systems. Other systems may utilize aggregate cooling with air or may not focus on aggregate cooling as a cooling method at all. Regardless of the concrete cooling system and method being used SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides quality concrete cooling systems that are suitable for a full array of different situations and applications.

/by

The Pros and Cons of Chilled Seawater for Fish Cooling

If you are in the industrial or commercial fishing industry, then you likely already know how important it is to keep your fish in the most favorable condition you can in order to attain the highest price and to ensure the distribution of safe product. It can feel like a losing battle, especially since fish begin to spoil as soon as they are deceased. It is important for you to take the necessary precautions to make certain that you’re looking after your best interests as a member of the industry, as someone who has a vested interest in your company, and as a person who is responsible for delivering healthy, quality fish to your consumers. Chilled seawater ice (also often referred to as CSW) can be an effective and beneficial tool for your boats to utilize in order to keep your fish in the best attainable condition.

How Chilled Seawater Can Help to Keep Fish Fresh

Chilled seawater can be a highly efficient, safe, and useful way to keep fish at their peak of freshness for as long as possible. Chilled seawater is a unique kind of ice water mixture since it is composed of sea water and cooled by the addition of ice. There are a number of different functions that ice naturally performs that can help you maintain freshness:

Reduction of Temperature

Chilled Seawater and ice are able to reduce the temperature of the fish to the optimal 0°C, which combats the growth of pathogenic microorganisms and reduces the rate of spoilage – which in turn can reduce or even eliminate many of the safety risks that comes with storing fish.

Chilled Seawater Maintains Moisture

Once a fish is out of the water and deceased, it immediately begins to dry out – which affects its appearance, quality, and weight. Melting water helps to prevent surface dehydration, and will help keep the quality and weight of the fish up to industry standards. CSW is essentially a slurry of seawater and ice, and this kind of mixture can be the quickest and most practical chilling method since it is able to reach more surface area uniformly and swiftly. Melting water increases the speed at which the fish is chilled, so it has less time to be affected by heat or exposure.

One noticeable drawback that water can have is to create a color leaching effect. It can also leach mass and nutrients if the fish is left in it for too long. This concern can be addressed by routinely draining the excess water from the CSW mixture – adding more as needed.

CSW Is Convenient

Chilled seawater is a portable cooling method – able to be transported quickly and easily from place to place since it to not particularly heavy or cumbersome. It is also composed of raw, natural materials that are widely available – making it easy to come by and fairly inexpensive to both produce and to purchase.

CSW Can Extend the Shelf Life of Your Fish

All of these attributes come together to help you with your primary purpose – to conserve your resources as much as possible while still ensuring that you’re delivering quality goods to your next port of call. Given these factors, CSW can be relatively cheap way to preserve fish and to make sure that their quality is retained for as long as is feasible.

Limitations of Chilled Seawater

While chilled seawater has many benefits in terms of application and usefulness, it does have a few drawbacks. In addition to the possibility of color, mass, and nutrient leaching that too much water exposure can enact, CSW that has too high of a salt content can affect the taste and quality of the fish by imbuing it with more salt than desired. The heat transferability of CSW is also affected by the salt content – causing the ice to separate from the salt after a while and to not convey its coolness as quickly.

However, many of these drawbacks can be addressed simply by prudent testing of the CSW’s salt content, as well as making sure that the fish aren’t left to soak to long in stagnant water. That concern can be assuaged by systematic draining, as well as water circulation technologies with which some containers can be outfitted.

While chilled seawater systems may not work for every company or every boat, the technologies that produce them and the natural attributes that they offer will likely make them a useful and practical addition to many within the commercial and industrial fishing industries. It is a universal truth that once a fish is caught it needs to be either eaten or quickly preserved for future consumption, and CSW can help many achieve the latter.

/by

Methods of Cooling Grapefruit Post-Harvest

Grapefruit is a great healthy food item that is enjoyed by people all over the world. With flavors ranging from seriously sour to semi-sweet, this citrus fruit can offer both immense health benefits as well as a distinctive taste profile that many people swear by.

To ensure that grapefruit tastes the best it possibly can, proper knowledge of cooling and storage procedures is crucial. To this end, the following information is essential to keeping grapefruit tasting great long after it’s been harvested.

Get to Know the Grapefruit

In general, there are quite a few varieties of grapefruit available to shoppers. Ruby Red is perhaps the most popular variety thanks to its sweetness, which is a staple among those varieties sharing a similar red hue. Other types of grapefruit include pink, Star Ruby, Oro Blanco, White Marsh, and even flame, which offers a combination of tart and sweet flavors. Grapefruit is grown in numerous countries, with U.S. production concentrated within Florida and Texas.

In addition to the unique flavor, grapefruit is also an exceedingly healthy food source. Grapefruit is rich in fiber and antioxidants, as well as being a great source of vitamin C. Grapefruit is also known for its fat-burning properties thanks to its low glycemic index. Many dieters rely on grapefruit as a means of boosting metabolism, which is why this fruit is often consumed for breakfast.

Proper Storage of Grapefruit

When it comes to storing grapefruit, there are a number of considerations one must make to ensure the fruit is tasty and long-lasting. Harvesting at the right time is just one of many factors involved in producing a quality fruit, as well as making certain that cooling and storage is successful.

Grapefruit should be harvested at full maturity, as ripening ceases once the fruit is harvested. Determining ripeness involves observing the following:

  • No evident decay or defects (staining, scars, pitting, damage from insects, etc.)
  • Size/shape
  • Thickness/smoothness of peel
  • Intensity and uniformity of color
  • Firmness

Proper storage of grapefruit entails maintaining the correct temperature, as well as ensuring that humidity remains at an acceptable level. When storing grapefruit, temperatures should remain between 54-57°F, while humidity should be between 90-95%.

Additionally, growers must look out for certain issues that often befall grapefruit harvest. For instance, oil spotting can occur due to physical stress on overly-hard fruits. Pathological disorders can also pose a threat. Diseases of note include blue and green mold, stem end rot, brown rot, and sour rot.

Implementing common sense control strategies can help reduce the likelihood of issues with harvests. Proper handling is important to prevent physical damage from occurring, while treatment with fungicides post-harvest can greatly inhibit mold growth.

Grapefruit Cooling Techniques

Grapefruit can also be cooled to maintain longevity. In this case, it’s important to utilize the proper methods to ensure your fruit retains its delicious flavor post-harvest. Being aware of the different types of cooling methods is also extremely helpful:

Room Cooling – As the name suggests, room cooling entails storing grapefruit in a room with a built-in refrigeration unit. This method affords a gradual adjustment to cooler temperatures, which is less disruptive to the fruit. For the best results, be sure to keep grapefruit in packs with a decent amount of airflow.

Cooling via Forced-Air – Forced-air cooling offers a slight tweak on the above method via the introduction of a fan into a refrigerated room. Grapefruit should be placed around the fan, which will then increase the cooling speed by forcing air into the fruit. This is a good method when the cooling process must happen at an accelerated rate, which is not possible with room cooling alone.

Hydrocooling – While fully chilling grapefruit via hydrocooling is not recommended, this method can help prepare grapefruit for the above storage methods. Hydrocooling requires submerging grapefruit in near freezing water to remove any residual heat from the field. Grapefruit can either be cooled via room cooling or forced-air, both of which offer long-term methods for keeping fruit cool.

Treating Grapefruit With Care Will Offer the Best Results

As with all fruits, maintaining flavor and freshness requires taking the right approach to post-harvest storage. Doing so will not only afford the best taste possible, it can also allow fruit to retain its maximum quality for even longer. This is especially true of grapefruit, which offers an unbelievable flavor when handled accordingly. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides cooling and storage systems that are ideal for use with grapefruit and other produce.

/by

The Importance of Insulation on Fishing Vessels

As soon as a fish is caught a race against the clock begins to get the fish back to shore before it spoils. There are many factors that influence this race including cool methods, types of ice used, distance from shore, ambient climate conditions, and insulation on board the fishing vessel to name a few. In today’s article let’s turn our attention to insulation and learn more about why it is so important on fishing vessels.

Understanding Heat Transference

To understand the need for insulation it is first necessary to understand heat transference. Heat is transferred in the following three ways:

  • Conduction – Heat passes from one material to another via direct contact.
  • Convection – Heat travels to a material via air or liquid. For example a convection oven.
  • Radiation – Heat travels to a material via light, electromagnetic waves, or infrared radiation.

For fishing vessels convection and radiation may be a concern depending on some circumstances, but the primary type of heat transfer is usually conduction. This occurs as heat travels through the walls and flooring into the cargo hold. In the worst case scenario this unwanted heat can potentially result in fish spoilage; however, even in the best case scenario it will still decrease cooling efficiency and often raise costs. Insulation helps offset these problems resulting in the benefits discussed below.

Insulation and Food Safety

One of the most important benefits of insulation is that it helps improve food safety by preventing fish spoilage. For maximum benefit it is important to cool the fish as quickly as possible and place them in the insulated hold. Even a well-insulated hold will still require additional cooling such as with ice or refrigeration.

Insulation and Ice Efficiency

By minimizing the amount of heat that is transferred into the hold ice will melt much less quickly and less ice will be needed to cool the same amount of fish. This allows less ice to be brought in the first place and may free up additional space for fish or other supplies. Alternatively, it allows for longer fishing trips since the same amount of ice will last longer.

Insulation and Energy Costs

For refrigerated cargo hold insulation is very important. It helps reduce cooling load, allowing the refrigeration system to be more energy efficient. This helps reduce energy costs while also minimizing wear and tear on the refrigeration system.

Types of Insulation

There are many different types of insulating materials available for use on fishing vessels. Some of the most common and effective are:

  • Polyurethane – Sprayed on, poured, or board
  • Polystyrene (“Styrofoam”) sheets
  • Cork Board
  • Fiberglass
  • Wood Shavings or Sawdust
  • Straw
  • Sealed Air Space

Each of these different insulating materials comes with its own pros and cons in terms of cost, efficiency, ease of application, durability, and a host of other factors. It is important to consider the particular needs of your fishing vessel and operation. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and manufactures reliable cooling and storage systems that are ideal for use on commercial or industrial fishing vessels. We are always happy to discuss insulation options with customers and to ensure that every customer gets the best system for their needs.

/by

How to Know When It’s Time to Upgrade Your Old Industrial Cooler

Every smart, profitable business tries to be as savvy as possible about minimizing expenses and getting the most value and use from equipment such as industrial coolers. Maintenance and repairs are typically much cheaper than full replacements and in many cases are able to restore full function. However, there comes a time when even the best maintained industrial cooler will need to be replaced and waiting too long to do that may actually cost your business more money in the long run than just taking the plunge and getting a new unit. What follows are some key tips that could indicate it’s time to upgrade your old industrial cooler.

Your Maintenance and Repair Costs Are Escalating

One of the best and most obvious indicators that it’s time to replace your old industrial cooler is if its maintenance and repair needs have been escalating. While any single repair may not equal the cost of a new model if you are having to shell out for several repairs a year you may be better off upgrading to a more reliable, less-expensive-to-maintain model.

You Fear a Major Breakdown Is Imminent

Unfortunately the cost of repairs associated with a broken industrial cooler are usually not the only financial risks to consider. Chances are you need your industrial cooler as a core part of your business and it likely contains large quantities of highly perishable food or products. An industrial cooler that suddenly suffers a major breakdown is not only expensive to fix by itself, it will probably cost you in terms of spoilage and perhaps also lost productivity as your business – and revenue – grind to a halt without it. Thus if you have reason to believe that a major breakdown is imminent you’re probably much better off replacing the cooler in a controlled, planned environment rather than risking a costly surprise.

Your Energy Costs Are Rising

Over time the cooling efficiency of the old cooler may decrease, thus raising your energy costs as it takes more power to accomplish the same level of cooling. Likewise, newer models are often more energy efficient in their own right than older models. Better energy efficiency is of course also better for the environment, which may be personal value of your business or could be something that will appeal to customers.

Your Needs Have Changed

Another major, important reason to consider upgrading to a new industrial cooler is if your needs for the cooler have changed. For example perhaps the size or focus of your business has changed and your need more cooler space. Instead of buying a second cooler – and having to run and maintain both units – you may be better off replacing your old cooler with a larger one. Alternatively perhaps you need less cooler capacity and are needlessly powering a large unit with lots of unused space. You may also find that the features you’re looking for are now different or that a feature you always wanted is now available or more affordable. Put simply if the needs or priorities of your business have changed it may be time to purchase an industrial cooler that better reflects the new situation.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC provides industry-leading industrial coolers and cooling systems. We also custom build our coolers to ensure that each of our customers is able to get all of the options and features they need. Please contact us to discuss your system.

/by

Why Flake Ice Is Ideal for Use in Concrete Cooling Systems

Concrete is a strong, versatile material that is extremely popular and commonly used in a wide array of different large-scale commercial and industrial projects. Such major projects are often dubbed “large-pour” due to the significant amount of cement they pour at once to harden into concrete. However, such large-pour jobs generate a massive amount of heat, which if left unchecked can easily compromise the structural integrity and strength of the finished concrete. Fortunately there is a solution: concrete cooling systems that utilize flake ice.

Why Is Flake Ice the Industry Standard?

People automatically understand that when it comes to cooling ice is a very effective method. However, those outside of the concrete or industrial cooling industries may wonder why flake ice is the industry standard. The reason is that flake ice possess a number of very positive qualities that make it extremely successful for concrete cooling. Consider the following:

Flake Ice Is Energy Efficient

By far one of the most important reasons that flake ice is a good choice for concrete cooling is that flake ice is very energy efficient. Energy efficiency is key to getting the most value and benefit from the ice. Flake ice is so energy efficient for several key reasons including:

  • It has a higher relative surface than any other type of ice. More surface area equals more contact points for cooling.
  • Flake ice can be sub-cooled below freezing. This allows 100%, sometimes even more, of its latent cooling energy to be used on the concrete.
  • Flake ice is removed from the ice drum by shearing, as opposed to other loosening methods such as hot gases. This prevents energy loss from the hot gas heat.

Flake Ice Is Easy to Work With

Another important quality of flake ice is that it is very pliable and easy to work with. Because it is sub-cooled it remains “dry” and does not stick together in clumps, or form larger chunks that might otherwise clog equipment. The lack of clumping also allows the flake ice to retain its high relative surface area and preserve the energy efficient traits already discussed.

Flake Ice Melts Quickly

While concrete cooling is extremely important for large-pour projects it is also crucial that any ice used for cooling be thoroughly and completely melted during the cement-mixing process. If pieces of ice remain unmelted during mixing this can lead to weakness and non-uniformity in the finished concrete. Flake ice is a good choice for concrete cooling because its tiny size results in very rapid melting and averts the problems associated with incomplete melting.

Flake Ice Is Easily Automated & Conveyed

Along with being resistant to clumping and easy to work with, flake ice is also very easy to use with automated ice rake systems and is further easily transported and conveyed along throughout the system and into the cement with efficient equipment like blowing systems and screw conveyors. This results in a concrete cooling system that is very reliable without being labor intensive.

Flake Ice Is Economical

Flake ice is also a very economical choice, in large part due to the reasons discussed above. For example its energy efficiency saves energy costs and ensures the most value for the ice. Meanwhile its small size and rapid melting time ensures that mixing times are not extended, thus putting less strain on equipment and minimizing service and repair costs while often extending the life of the equipment. Its easy of use and suitability for automation also keep labor costs down and allow workers to spend their time and attention on other tasks.

Flake ice has established itself as the industry standard for large-pour concrete cooling systems and in the face of its many advantages and uses that primacy is almost certain to continue. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC designs and custom builds high quality concrete cooling systems that utilize flake ice and allow our clients to reap the full benefits these systems offer. Our systems are fully designed with each client’s needs in mind, ensuring that they get the most dependable and effective system possible for their applications.

/by

Cauliflower Cooling and Storage Post-Harvest

Cauliflower is renowned the world over for its healthy, nutritious properties and its versatility in an array of dishes. Besides the classic white variety, cauliflower comes in various other bright colors that make it an attractive, welcome addition to any plate. As always, however, for maximum taste, quality, and nutrition it is important to start with fresh cauliflower. Let’s take a look at some key facts about cauliflower as well as cooling and storage considerations and methods.

General Facts About Cauliflower

Cauliflower belongs to the species Brassica oleracea, an extremely important species for human food that is not only responsible for cauliflower but also cabbage, broccoli, collard greens, brussels sprouts, and kale. All of these various vegetables are technically the same species with different cultivars emphasizing and expressing the various trademark qualities we recognize from the foods. In fact the word “cauliflower” actually derives from the Latin word “caulis,” which means cabbage.

Cauliflower has existed since ancient times, with the oldest known written record of it coming from Pliny the Elder, a noted Roman philosopher and naturalist. Cauliflower is low in calories, carbohydrates, and fat while containing many important vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin C, folate, dietary fiber, phytochemicals, and carotenoids. It is considered very nutritionally dense and integrates well into healthy diets and lifestyles.

Cauliflower Colors and Varieties

There are four main types of cauliflower:

Northern European Annuals – Developed in German in the 18th century it includes cultivars such as Snowball and Erfurt and is commonly used for summer and fall harvests throughout Europe and North America.

Northwest European Biennial – Developed in France in the 19th century it includes cultivars such as Roscoff and Angers and is commonly used for early spring and winter harvests.

Asian – Developed in the 19th century in China and India it includes cultivars such as Early Patna and Early Benaras.

Italian – The Italian type is the original ancestral type from which the others are derived. It includes the Romanesco cultivar as well as multi-colored varieties discussed in more detail below. It is diverse in appearance and comes in both annual and biennial types.

Colors – Cauliflower comes in an array of bright as well as muted colors. White is the most common and prolific type of cauliflower but it also comes in various shades of brown, yellow, orange, purple, and green. The green variety is often referred to as “broccoflower” due to its similarities to broccoli.

General Information About Cooling and Storing Cauliflower

The following are several key factors to consider for properly cooling and storing cauliflower:

Temperature – Temperature is one of the most important factors for maximizing the quality and shelf life of cauliflower. At 59°F cauliflower only last about 3 days after harvest. By contrast cauliflower will last about 5 days at 50°F and up to 10 days at 41°F.

Relative Humidity – A relative humidity of about 95% is optimal to prevent the cauliflower from drying out.

Handling – Cauliflower are easily damaged by physical trauma, which in turn reduces quality and hastens decay. Care should be taken to avoid damaging them.

Shelf Life – Under optimal conditions cauliflower may last about 10 days after harvest.

Ethylene Sensitivity – Cauliflower produce very little ethylene but are highly sensitive to it. They should be kept isolated from high ethylene producers like tomatoes and apples.

Methods of Cooling Cauliflower

Hydrocooling – Hydrocooling is a very desirable practice for cauliflower because their shelf life and quality is enhanced when field temperatures are quickly removed. Hydrocooling involves submerging the cauliflower in near freezing water.

Room Cooling – Room cooling, which involves simply placing the cauliflower in a cooled room and allowing them to reach ambient temperatures is insufficient alone to ensure best quality. However, after precooling via the hydrocooling method is performed room cooling may be adequate.

Forced-Air Cooling – Forced-air cooling, which involves forcing cool airflow around the cauliflower, is helpful to ensure that they reach good storage temperatures quickly. This method may be paired with hydrocooling.

SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC develops high quality industrial cooling and storage systems. Our systems are great for use with commercially grown produce such as cauliflower and their relatives broccoli, cabbage, kale, and brussels sprouts, among others. Our priority is ensuring that our clients’ have dependable cooling systems that perfectly meet their needs and support optimum food quality.

/by

The Pros and Cons of Using Block Ice to Chill Fish

In a past article we discussed the Advantages of Using Ice to Cool Fish. We’ve also discussed How to Calculate the Amount of Ice Needed to Chill Fish. This naturally leads into the topic of what type of ice is the best to use for cooling fish. Each different common type of ice will of course have its own set of pros and cons. In today’s article let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of using one of the most popular types of ice to cool fish: block ice.

Block Ice Must Usually be Crushed

Before we get any further into the meat of the subject about the pros and cons of using block ice for cooling fish, it is important to understand that the block ice must be crushed if it is to be at all effective. Left in block form the ice would only be able to cool the surface of the fish placed directly against it, which would not be sufficient to prevent spoilage. Thus what we are considering in this article are the pros and cons of purchasing and transporting block ice, crushing it, and using that to cool the fish rather than simply starting with ice in a smaller form.

The Advantages of Block Ice

Having read the previous paragraph about the necessity of crushing ice before attempting to use it to cool fish, many readers may be wondering why any fishing crew would bother with block ice at all. Why not just start with crushed ice and save the trouble? In fact there are several excellent advantages to using block ice which make it arguably the most popular type of ice used for fishing expeditions. Consider the following:

Space Efficiency – One of the main advantages of block ice is that it is the most space efficient form of ice, meaning that for a given storage area more block ice per pound can fit than any other type of ice. That alone is extremely beneficial to fishermen all of the world, especially those operating smaller vessels where space is at a premium.

Readily Available – Another simple reason why block ice is so popular is because it is very readily available. Many commercial ice selling businesses supply not only fishing crews but also restaurants, bars, and other commercial and industrial clients. The wide availability of block ice also helps ensure that it stays affordable.

Melts Slowly – Block ice also has the advantage of being the slowest melting type of ice. That is because less of its surface area is exposed to warm air. This allows it to last much longer than other types of ice and makes it a great choice for longer expeditions.

Contains Less Water – Per area of volume block ice also contains less water than other types of ice. Once again that is because less of its surface area is exposed to warmth and thus there is less meltage. Not only does this ensure that the block ice lasts longer, it also ensures that it has maximum fish cooling potential. Once again this also positively affects the economy of block ice since fishermen purchasing block ice – with less liquid water – are getting better cooling potential and thus better value for their money.

The Disadvantages of Block Ice

While block ice has many great advantages there are also some very significant disadvantages, especially in terms of crushing requirements and ease of use. These disadvantages must either be overcome by careful and thorough crushing or else the fishing crew may want to consider a different form of ice to protect their fish.

Labor Intensive to Crush – Block ice that is crushed manually by a person is fairly labor intensive. Often the ice is crushed with an ice pick or a hammer and thus requires a significant amount of time and effort. There is also the risk of accidents or injuries. The entire process will require at least a little more planning and preparation than would be necessary for most types of ices since the block ice will essentially be useless for fish cooling until it has been broken.

May Require Extra Crushing Equipment – Many fishing crews eliminate the labor intensive aspect of block ice crushing by using mechanical crushing and grinding equipment. This also has the positive advantage of ensuring that the ice is thoroughly crushed. However, this method will obviously require the use of extra equipment which will take up space on board and cost money to purchase and maintain.

Large Chunks May Damage Fish – If the ice is not properly crushed there is also the risk that the large, jagged chunks may damage the fish. This can exacerbate the risk of spoilage, adversely affect meat quality, and make the fish less appealing to potential buyers.

Insufficient Crushing May Result in Insufficient Cooling – In addition to the physical risk of damage from the large chunks of ice, if the block ice is not thoroughly crushed it may not be able to provide sufficient cooling. Larger pieces will not as effectively surround the fish and will not readily enter cracks, crevices, and cavities. Thus insufficient crushing risks spoilage.

When considering what type of ice to use for your fishing voyage it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons and determine the best type for your particular situation. SEMCO/SEMCOLD LLC can help. We provide outstanding cooling, freezing, and ice solutions that are ideal for use for industrial or commercial fishing. Let us help you protect the value and quality of your fish.

/by